Enhanced education offered by new school

Cllr Angus Ross says he is encouraged by the prospect of the new school

A new school in East Reading could enhance educational choice for pupils in Wokingham according to the borough’s executive members.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive gave its support to plans for the new school at its meeting last Thursday.

The school, which has already received the backing of global giant Microsoft, Reading University and Reading College, will offer a mix of academic studies and technical training.

Councillor Rob Stanton, executive member for children’s services, said: “The working relationship with Reading council has developed well on the subject of education and we welcome plans for the new college for 11 to 18-year-olds in Reading on the border with Wokingham.

“It’s very early days but we will continue to work on that and bring news as it happens.”

It is hoped the new school project, spearheaded by Reading East MP Rob Wilson, could also help to ease problems of overcrowding in Wokingham borough schools.

Councillor Angus Ross, executive member for planning, welcomed the school and said it would provide more opportunity for young people in Wokingham and Reading.

He said: “I find the possibility of the proposed technical college in Reading very encouraging in that it will be providing a different sort of education and give extended choice to residents living around Reading if and when it comes to fruition.”